How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area.
Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not depend on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those around them.
It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure under their feet.
The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is important that they are in the right position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting them with their arms while they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. It can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on them. This enables them to travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.
When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair, and could result in a loss of control and/or potential injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might think about adding additional padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and might be struck by other people. You can avoid this by being aware of people who are around you on a slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. self control wheelchair helps maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some instances, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres and allow you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and allow you to take off the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, when they travel with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could slide over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.